In a significant development for South African sensation Tyla, the rising star has been officially dropped from a high-profile royalties lawsuit surrounding her breakout hit “Water.”
The 2023 track, which catapulted her to global fame and earned her a Grammy for Best African Music Performance, had been at the center of legal scrutiny since early 2025.
The Backstory: From Viral Hit to Courtroom Drama
“Water,” released in July 2023, became an international phenomenon, amassing over 1.1 billion streams on Spotify and peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Amapiano-infused song not only introduced Tyla (full name Tyla Laura Seethal) to the world but also marked a milestone for African music on the global stage. However, behind the success lurked a dispute over credits and royalties.
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In March 2025, songwriters Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro filed a lawsuit in California against Tyla, producer Sammy SoSo (real name Samuel Awuku), and Sony Music Entertainment (parent company of Epic Records).
The plaintiffs claimed they were co-composers of the track but were denied “master points,” which would entitle them to a share of recording royalties beyond their existing publishing credits.
They argued for an additional 2.5% in royalties, alleging improper compensation and unfair credit allocation.
The case was voluntarily dismissed in July 2025 before being refiled the next day with new counsel, indicating strategic adjustments by the plaintiffs.
Sony Music was dismissed from the suit in November 2025, narrowing the focus.
Recent Resolution: Tyla’s Exit from the Case
On February 5, 2026, Zucca and LoMastro voluntarily withdrew their claims against Tyla, effectively removing her from the litigation.
According to sources, no settlement was paid by Tyla or Sony, and the dismissal came after the claims were deemed without merit. This leaves Sammy SoSo as the sole remaining defendant in the ongoing case.
The news broke via Billboard, sparking immediate buzz on social media. Fans and industry watchers celebrated the update, with posts on X highlighting Tyla’s clearance and focusing on her continued rise.
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Implications and Fan Reactions
This resolution allows Tyla to move forward without the shadow of legal proceedings, especially as she builds on “Water’s” success with her self-titled debut album and international tours.
The case underscores common industry tensions over producer credits and royalty splits in collaborative hits.
On X, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive for Tyla. Fan accounts like @TylaMetrics shared detailed updates, emphasizing the voluntary withdrawal and expressing relief. Billboard’s announcements garnered thousands of views, with users praising Tyla’s resilience amid the drama.
As of February 7, 2026, the story continues to trend, reminding the music world of the business complexities behind chart-topping anthems. For Tyla, this chapter closes, paving the way for more waves in her career.